Protecting Healthcare Centers

Due to congressional inaction, important federal funding is running out for community health centers like Orange Blossom Family Health. Without Orange Blossom, 15,000 Central Floridians could lose healthcare. Community Health Centers (CHCs) save the healthcare system billions of dollars every year, and are often the only source of care for low-income families. 75% of Orange Blossom’s patients lack health insurance. 90% of Florida’s CHC patients are low-income.

I also had the pleasure of visiting “Om to Home,” an inpatient detoxification and residential treatment center in South Apopka. 82% of Community Health Centers, including Orange Blossom, offer mental health or substance abuse treatment. Orange Blossom has helped over 300 people with opioid addiction, and gives vital psychotropic drug therapy. During a national drug crisis, it is shameful that Congress has failed to fund these vital priorities.